Events
St Helens APRIL 2026 VCFSE Forum
Join us for our APRIL 2026 Voluntary Sector Forum — a space where ideas spark, connections grow, and the St Helens VCSE community comes together with purpose. Get ready for an energising morning at the St Helens VCSE Forum, filled with opportunity, collaboration, and that unmistakable community spirit that drives our borough forward. We’ll ease into the day with a warm welcome and time to catch up with colleagues old and new over coffee from 9:30am — the perfect moment to settle in, share updates, and start the conversations that matter. As the clock approaches 10:00am, we’ll gather to begin the session at the ever‑welcoming Willowbrook Living Well, setting the tone for a morning of shared learning, sector insights, and collective ambition. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, a new volunteer, or somewhere in between, this forum offers a friendly, open space to connect, contribute, and feel part of something bigger.
Social Media Foundations for Community Groups
A focused, confidence-building introduction perfect for organisations who want clarity andsimple tools they can start using straight away.
What’s Included:Core Training (foundations only):How to plan content efficiently without a full-time social media managerEasy low-budget content ideas anyone can createHow to talk about your organisation in a clear, engaging wayBasics of storytelling (but not impact reporting)Simple planning methods to stay consistent
Community Asset Transfer Masterclass Series- Demonstrating Community Need & Measuring Impact
Delivered by experts in the feild of community assest transfer - this workshop will introduce you to everything you need to know about community assets – what your community organisation needs to have in place to take one on and what you need to know about managing an asset.
This workshop will help you to understand how to measure and report on the impact your organisation make. We’ll explore –
Theory of change – getting clear on the social issues your organisation is addressing, how you’ll do it and the changes you expect to see.Quantitative and qualitive data – what information already exists to evidence the need for your work and where to find it? How are you engaging with your community and what data are you gathering from them? What evidence do you have that they need/want what you’re offering .Demonstrating wider need – how do you fit in with other local, regional and national policies and strategies?Co-design principles – how to involve your community in your decision making.Partnerships – understanding your stakeholders and developing partnerships that enhance your work.Holding Transformative Conversations St Helens
Across the country, organisations are struggling with the effects of misinformation about marginalised groups, which is disrupting services and creating uncertainty about how to respond. The Ella Baker School of Organising, in partnership with the LCR Race Equality Hub, is offering one‑day workshops to help communities counter these divisive narratives.
The training starts from the belief that people with challenging views aren’t necessarily bad, and communities share a responsibility to engage with them and address the issues behind those views. Sessions provide tools to handle difficult conversations, reduce tension, and build unity.
Participants will learn to understand why people may hold problematic views, engage meaningfully with those influenced by divisive narratives, and shift discussions toward solution‑focused approaches. The workshops aim to build confidence, skills, and long‑term community connections, supported by practical resources.
An introduction to Flourish Social Investment for the VCFSE Sector
St Helens Mental Health Alliance Meeting - APRIL
Bringing St Helens’ VCFSE sector together to relaunch our Mental Health Alliance
A chance for voluntary organisations, charities, and community groups across St Helens to connect and brings the sector together to explore our borough’s mental health priorities, understand the challenges our communities are facing, and strengthen the partnerships that help us respond.
Join us to:
Connect with others working to support wellbeing across St Helens
Share what your organisation offers and learn from others
Explore opportunities to collaborate around local priorities
Volunteer Co-ordinators Network Meeting
If you do any of the following, this meeting is for you:
creating roles for volunteersrecruiting, onboarding and inducting volunteerssupporting and supervising volunteerstroubleshooting volunteer issueshighlighting the role volunteers play in the organisationand evaluating their impact
ensuring that the experience of volunteering is inclusive and accessibletraining and developing volunteers and helping them progress into new rolesHolding Transformative Conversations Halton
Across the country, organisations are struggling with the effects of misinformation about marginalised groups, which is disrupting services and creating uncertainty about how to respond. The Ella Baker School of Organising, in partnership with the LCR Race Equality Hub, is offering one‑day workshops to help communities counter these divisive narratives.
The training starts from the belief that people with challenging views aren’t necessarily bad, and communities share a responsibility to engage with them and address the issues behind those views. Sessions provide tools to handle difficult conversations, reduce tension, and build unity.
Participants will learn to understand why people may hold problematic views, engage meaningfully with those influenced by divisive narratives, and shift discussions toward solution‑focused approaches. The workshops aim to build confidence, skills, and long‑term community connections, supported by practical resources.
Bitesize & a Brew Online Session: Where to find volunteers
Bitesize and a Brew is a series of 30-minute online sessions designed to give you practical tips, fresh ideas, and a chance to connect with others in similar roles. ✔ Short and focused ✔ Informal and friendly ✔ Packed with useful takeaways
Setting Up Your Community Organisation, Charity or Community Interest Company